I am extremely proud of my son for his decision to get baptized in Armenia.

As part of the global Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, on May 31, Charles Aznavour, world-famous singer and national hero of Armenia, paid a visit to the Tatev Monastic Complex.

Nicolas Aznavour, the singer’s son, along with friends and colleagues accompanied the maestro on his visit.

Charles Aznavour’s first stop was Halidzor Station of the Wings of Tatev aerial tramway, where the legendary singer was welcomed by CEO of the Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation, Edgar Manukyan, Director at the Wings of Tatev, Vahe Baghdasaryan, and IDeA employees.

Edgar Manukyan recounted the history of the Wings of Tatev aerial tramway and presented the projects implemented by Tatev Revival Foundation, which have had significant impact on life in the Tatev region.

Along with his son, Charles Aznavour took in the stunning nature of Syunik from the observation point adjacent to Tatevatun Restaurant. During the entire trip, he had his camera to hand so as to not miss out on a single shot of the beautiful scenery.

After a short stop in Tatevatun, Charles Aznavour and his friends rode the aerial tramway to the Tatev Monastic Complex, where they were greeted by the Superior of Tatev Monastery, Fr. Mikael Gevorgyan, local people and a group of tourists.

While at the Saint Paul and Peter Church of Tatev Monastery, Nicolas Aznavour was baptized by Fr. Michael Gevorgyan, with the ceremony accompanied by performances by the Tatev Monastery Choir.

“I am extremely proud of my son for his decision to get baptized in Armenia. My parents would be overjoyed to know that two my sons – Mischa and Nicolas – remained loyal to their roots by being baptized in Armenia,” said Charles Aznavour.

“I was born in France, then I studied in Switzerland and Canada, but as the years pass, the bond with my roots grows stronger. Through talking to my father and aunt, and listening to their stories, I eventually returned to the roots of my motherland. I have started learning Armenian. After all this, the firm feeling and wish to get baptized in Armenia emerged in my heart,” said Nicolas Aznavour, admitting that his baptism in Tatev Monastery is one of the most memorable moments in his life.

Tatev is rapidly morphing into a global tourist destination, which welcomes tourists from all over the world. The restoration of Tatev Monastic Complex is an anchor project in the region. It was then followed by the Tatev Gateway project and other programs aimed at the development of communities adjacent to Tatev.

The Wings of Tatev is the world’s longest reversible aerial tramway. It has been recorded in the Guinness Book of Records not only as the longest reversible aerial tramway, but also as the cableway built within the shortest period of time – in just 10 months.

During the first year of operation in 2010, around 10,000 people rode the aerial tramway. As of late 2016, it has carried over 500,000 passengers.